Horse Chestnut vs Black Cherry - TreeTime.ca

Horse Chestnut vs Black Cherry

Prunus serotina

Aesculus hippocastanum

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

CUSTOM GROW

Black Cherry
Horse Chestnut

Black Cherry is common in eastern North America but a rare find elsewhere. This tree is shade tolerant and is often found in old fields, forest openings, and along fencerows.

The fruit is edible and is commonly used to flavor rum and brandy. It is also edible and often eaten fresh or used in wine or jelly. Black Cherry trees typically begin producing fruit when they are 10 years of age.

Black Cherry wood is a rich reddish-brown color and is strong, making it valued in cabinetry and woodworking. It is often used in reclamation as well.

The leaves can poison livestock as they contain cyanide derivatives and precursors. However, many have noted that deer still seem to browse their trees with impunity and birds and other animals eat the fruit when available.

Horse Chestnut is a medium sized deciduous tree that is native to Greece but has been grown in North America for hundreds of years. It produces large nuts.

A top CO2 absorbing species. Experts think this tree may help climate change more than others.

Black Cherry Quick Facts

Horse Chestnut Quick Facts

Zone: 2a
Zone: 3a
Height: 24 m (80 ft)
Height: 12 m (39 ft)
Spread: 14 m (45 ft)
Spread: 4 m (12 ft)
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: partial shade, full sun
Moisture: normal, wet
Moisture: normal
Growth rate: medium
Growth rate: medium
Life span: medium
Life span: medium
Suckering: low
Suckering: none
Maintenance: medium

Toxicity: bark and wilted leaves toxic to livestock

Toxicity: most parts of plant are toxic
Foliage: long, glossy leaves
Fall colour: yellow to orange
Fall colour: yellow to orange
Flowers: white
Fruit: dark red
Nuts: large spiky nuts
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no


Native to: ON, QC, NS, NB
Other Names: mountain black cherry, wild cherry, wild rum cherry